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Successful Job Search Strategies

Successful Job Search Strategies

Advice and tips on creating professional looking resumes / cover letters and handling interviews.

Andrew Bassingthwaighte

October 03, 2011
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  1. Realities EI Economic Region of Niagara (for the period of

    July 10, 2011 to August 6, 2011) Unemployment Rate: 10.3%
  2. Realities • Advertised Positions • Are the least effective way

    of job searching • Total 15 – 20% of all vacancies
  3. Job Search • Developing an attractive and successful job search

    package that includes: • Resumes • Cover Letters • Interview Techniques
  4. Types of Resume CHRONOLOGICAL RESUME Used when: • You have

    related or direct work experience with the position you are applying for • You have a consistent job history • You have no large gaps between jobs • You want to show progression or promotion within a company
  5. Types of Resume FUNCTIONAL RESUME Used when: • You have

    no direct work experience for the job you are applying for but you have transferable skills • You have had a lot of jobs within a short time frame • You want to highlight your skills rather than your work history
  6. • Be sure to check for spelling and grammatical errors

    • Make sure the copy you give the employer is a clean and neat copy • Employers prefer resumes not to be stapled • Be honest about your qualifications, a perspective employer may discover your dishonesty • Try to maintain a one inch margin on all sides of the resume
  7. A Cover Letter is • An introduction to your resume

    • Mentions your knowledge of the company • Expands on the skills shown on your resume • Provides a unique perspective of your qualifications
  8. Consists of…… • Introduction • Briefly explain what position you

    are applying for • Usually 2-3 sentences • Provide a general lead in sentence of the skills you will highlight in the 2nd paragraph • Skills Section • The middle of the letter can be one or two paragraphs and should make relevant points about your qualifications • You can also expand on your knowledge of the company and show off your research • Closing • Let the employer know you look forward to hearing from them in regards to an interview or to discuss future opportunities • Close by saying thank you
  9. • Read the job description • Highlight key qualifications in

    the job posting • Relate the skills listed with abilities that you possess • Pick 2 – 3 skills to highlight in your cover letter • Apply past work examples of how you used these skills in your last employment
  10. What To Avoid • Using “Hello” as a salutation •

    Using “I” to begin every sentence • Just providing a list of skills • Repeating information already on your resume • Providing personal information • Making the cover letter too lengthy • Writing in all capital letters or using the bold feature
  11. Before The Interview • Verify information • Prepare answers to

    some common interview questions • Know why you want to work for this company • Dress / Personal Hygiene • What materials do you need • Arrive early • Remain patient and aware of your actions as you may be observed • Read company literature if available, or your notes to refresh your memory
  12. During The Interview • Wait to be seated • Use

    a firm handshake • Make eye contact • Use positive body language • Do not chew gum or eat candies • Take time to process interview questions before you answer • Honesty is the best policy, but leave gripes about past jobs at home • Thank the interviewer and ask for business card
  13. Common Interview Questions • Tell me about yourself? • Why

    do you want to work here? • What do you consider your greatest strengths? • What are your weaknesses? • Why should we hire you? • Do you prefer working in groups or independently? • Why did you leave your last position? / Why are you seeking other employment? • How would you describe your relationship with your past employer and co-workers? • What are your career goals? / Where do you see yourself in 5 years? • Tell me about a time when you had a conflict with a co-worker?
  14. After The Interview • Record your impressions of the interview

    • Write and send a thank-you letter / email or call within 24 hours of an interview. • Continue with job search efforts